Turkey's national frigate on the US Navy's evaluation list
In the US search for a new frigate class, Turkey's Istanbul class has been taken under review alongside designs from South Korea and Japan.
US authorities have placed Turkey's Istanbul-class guided-missile frigate under review for the procurement of a new frigate class. This move indicates that the country may deviate for the first time from its century-old rule of domestic production in the navy.
The US Search for a New Frigate
US authorities have begun reviewing international ship designs for the creation of a new frigate class. This process became official following a memorandum issued by the White House.
Reviewed Designs and Models
Among the projects included in the evaluation process are guided-missile frigate designs belonging to Japan and South Korea, alongside Turkey's Istanbul-class frigate.
Historic Rule Change
It is stated that the ships planned to be ordered will initially be produced in shipyards abroad, and subsequently, production will continue in American shipyards. This step constitutes a first for the US Navy.
Background of the Discussions
It is noted that the process of taking the Istanbul-class frigates under evaluation came to the agenda during bilateral talks held during the NATO Summit in Ankara.